Students investigate TWO of these Asia-Pacific societies in depth: the Angkor/Khmer Empire or Shogunate Japan or the Polynesian expansion across the Pacific. N.B. Where appropriate, this depth study may include some reference beyond the end of the period c.1750.

Documenatries Shoguns and Khmer

DUE DATE: Please see individual class teachers for this information

- You can download the Depth Study 2 Criteria below -


Common Assessment:
Students are asked to do the following:
  1. Identify two societies to compare, and broadly research both societies
  2. Select two or three ideas for comparison and research these specifically. Note the ways in which these societies differ, paying particular attention to how your chosen society is more advanced than the other
  3. Conduct your research, using a variety of sources, including Pearson History 8
  4. Include a bibliography
  5. Write a 1.5 - 2 page exposition (Font: Arial, Font Size: 11, Spacing: 1.5), arguing that your chosen society was more advanced than the other.
N.B. Remember, an exposition is an argument. It attempts to persuade the reader to believe something by presenting one side of the argument.

Ideas for comparison:
  • Buildings/architecture
  • Respect of genders eg. men, women
  • Form of government/ruling
  • Celebrations
  • Armies
  • Weaponry
  • Religion
  • Travels
  • Art
  • Language
  • Health/Medicine
  • Food collection, preparation
  • Economy
  • Other (check with your teacher)



Go to the BBC Bitesize site by clicking the image
on the right and open the 'Writing to Argue' link.
This may assist in developing a balanced argument.
Remember to use historical facts when writing an
historical essay and ensure you have used
accurate resources.
bitesize gcse.jpg

Persuasive Writing
Opinion Essay / Persuasive Essay



Exposition Checklist
1) The title is suitable
2) The exposition starts with a point of view about the topic.
3) The exposition gives reasons for the point of view.
4) The exposition compares two different societies.
5) The exposition makes an argument about the two societies.
6) The exposition lists the most important reason first.
7) The exposition ends with my point of view about the topic.
8) Spelling has been checked.
9) Punctuation is correct.

Download the template below that will assist you with writing your exposition.


Helpful links :

Helpful writing tips:



Angkor/Khmer Empire (c.802 – c.1431)
Digging for the Truth: Angkor Wat - Part 1

Digging for the Truth: Angkor Wat - Part 2

Digging for the Truth: Angkor Wat - Part 3

Digging for the Truth: Angkor Wat - Part 4

Digging for the Truth: Angkor Wat - Part 5

National Geographic Megastructures Angkor Wat


OR

Japan under the Shoguns’ (c.794 – 1867)
  • The way of life in shogunate Japan, including social, cultural, economic and political features (including the feudal system and the increasing power of the shogun)
  • The role of the Tokugawa Shogunate in reimposing a feudal system (based on daimyo and samurai) and the increasing control of the Shogun over foreign trade.
  • The use of environmental resources in Shogunate Japan and the forestry and land use policies of the Tokugawa Shogunate
  • Theories about the decline of the Shogunate, including modernisation and westernisation, through the adoption of Western arms and technology
OR

The Polynesian expansion across the Pacific (c.700 – 1756)
  • Theories about the origin and spread of Polynesian settlers throughout the Pacific
  • The way of life in ONE Polynesian society, including social, cultural, economic and political features, such as the role of the ariki in Maori and in Rapa Nui society (Easter Island)
  • The cultural achievements of ONE Polynesian society, such as the Ta moko and hangi in Maori society OR the moai constructed on Easter Island
  • The way Polynesian societies used environmental resources (sustainably and unsustainably), including the extinction of the moa in New Zealand, the use of religious/supernatural threats to conserve resources, and the exploitation of Easter Island’s palm trees